Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat....
Preparations are now complete for the North Walsham Street Fair to be hosted by the Chamber of Trade on Friday 5th December.
The Street Fair commences at 6.30pm with the arrival of Father Christmas who will be in attendance at his Grotto during the evening. The theme will follow that of this years carnival A Nursery Rhyme Christmas to enable all the splendid costumes on display at the carnival to be used again. Many of the towns local organisations are taking the opportunity to participate and hopefully raise money for their own individual funds. All the towns shops have been invited to remain open during the evening and take part in the traditional Christmas Window competition. Entry forms available at 17 Market Place.
The Salvation Army Band, Weavers Morris and the Angel Baton Twirlers will be entertaining, the ECN Roadshow will be in attendance, Granville, resplendent in his Town Crier robes will ensure a colourful evening and prizes will be presented to the winners of the Christmas Window Competition. An additional prize will be available this year for the window best depicting the Christmas Nursery Rhyme theme. All the familiar attractions will be in attendance and the Chamber are hoping for a dry, crisp evening to ensure many revellers participate in the evenings entertainment.
A MESSAGE FROM THE TOWN MAYOR
If the success of a town can be measured by how well its people work, live, play and pull together as a community, then North Walsham has just had a very good year, and it looks like having an even brighter future. Indeed, as 1998 approaches and as I take stock of the past 12 months, I am sure I can detect in the town a renewal of our community spirit and an almost tangible air of optimism - a feeling that change for the better is just around the corner.
Many people have and are contributing to the community and the success of North Walsham and, though it is not possible to mention everyone in such a short message as this, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of one or two groups and individuals.
First, I pay tribute to all those who have given their time and enthusiasm to organize events for others to enjoy during 1997. I know only too well just how many hours have to be put in to ensure the success of a project or an event such as a carnival, a fete or a charity show, and on behalf of all residents I thank our local organizers. They are a great credit to the town.
Secondly, I single out the team of hard-working mothers and fathers who raised funds for the childrens enclosed play area that has recently been installed in the Memorial Park, and which will be extended when more money becomes available. Those determined parents worked with the Town Council to finance the play area and have shown exactly what can be achieved when we all pull together.
Supporters of the towns long-awaited swimming pool must be cheered by news of recent developments, and they should realise that it is because of their fund-raising efforts over the years that this exciting project has remained active and reached this important stage. However, although the pool has certainly taken a step forward, it is far too early to begin celebrating, since the scheme, which has the full support of the Town Council, has several more bridges yet to cross!
Many of you will have also heard the news that plans for the regeneration of our town are in the pipeline, so at long last it looks as though North Walsham is to take its rightful place as the major town in North Norfolk. More information about the scheme will be available Iater, but I can assure all residents and people who work in the town that they will have every opportunity to express their views and to contribute positively to the shape of things to come.
While writing about our spirit of community, I feel I must also mention another event, albeit a sad and tragic one, that helped to bring us closer together. The untimely death of Diana, Princess of Wales united the people of North Walsham in grief and sorrow; and I was personally very moved not only to see the church so full for the Memorial Service, but also to read the hundreds of entries in the four Books of Condolence that were supplied by the Town Council. I would like to thank the Rev. Martin Smith and Mr Christopher Cork for organizing the service for the Princess of Wales.
Thanks are also due to our Town Crier, Granville Yaxley, who is helping to spread the name of North Walsham far and wide (and loudly!); to Mrs Margaret Foster who was quickly appointed when our new Town Clerk suddenly decided to resign (and what a superb job Margaret is doing for us at the Town Hall); and to our old war horse, Ron Nash who came out of retirement to assist with the financial affairs of the Council. Ron is once again looking forward to retiring and taking it easy.
As Christmas draws near, I am pleased to say that following discussions between the Town Council and the operators of the gas complex at Bacton, the town has been presented with two large festive and framed cross-street displays, each one saying Welcome to North Walsham. Together the displays cost 1680 and, on behalf of the town, I would like to thank Amoco(UK), Interconnector(UK) Ltd, Phillips, Shell and Transco for their tremendous generosity.
Finally, may I wish all the people of North Walsham a merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous New Year.
North Walsham Chamber of Trade Chairman Writes....
Thank you to all those who have renewed their membership and welcome to new members; Curiosity Corner and Computer Assist. I am pleased to report an excellent response to our 1997 Christmas Lights Appeal with donations coming in from many sources.
We were delighted to achieve several new members last year and hopefully 1998 will add to the membership. To date 47 members have renewed their subscriptions, 62 donations to the lights have been received and all will be given appropriate acknowledgement in the various Christmas publications.
As you are aware, your Chamber joined forces with other Norfolk Chambers this year in an endeavour to overturn increased car parking charges. To date, despite many protestations we have been unsuccessful but undaunted we will continue the fight.
You will have seen the various press reports concerning the proposed 25,000 survey of our town to be carried out by the North Norfolk District Council. Your Chamber has been asked to make a contribution towards the costs involved. We are a very positive Chamber and will support all whose aim is to ensure improvements to our town. However, as I understand it there is no money available for improvements - the survey is to be carried out IN CASE funding becomes available. Without such a survey an application for whatever available funding would not be accepted. As you may be aware, a similiar survey was carried out in Fakenham - a completely different set of circumstances as European Funding was available and indeed has been achieved.
Although sceptical about the costs involved with the preparation of such a survey (bearing in mind we already have bi-annual Healthy Town Centre checks, plus a Town Centre Improvement Committee doing the same thing, added to the fact that any one of our members could write reams detailing items where improvement is essential) it is imperative that our Chamber is seen to be in favour of such a survey being carried out - if not other towns such as Cromer would be invited to participate. However, the financial situation of our Chamber certainly does not warrant us making a contribution towards the cost involved. The majority of our funding is essential if we are to continue bearing the lions share of the towns Christmas Lighting display and holding Trade Fairs. Additionally we also need to consider providing the town with a useful asset to coincide with the Millennium as a means of giving something back to the town from where we earn a living, leaving other groups to arrange street parties etc.
My personal view is that 25,000 would go a long way towards any of a number of projects namely assisting with legal expenditure/architects fees etc, when the time comes for the long awaited swimming pool to be built; it could be utilized to attract new businesses to our town; assist with a much needed free town centre shoppers car park or even provide suitable space within our town centre for the Tourist Office (or at least extend its opening months!)
On behalf of the Chamber, I have therefore informed the North Norfolk District Council that we support their proposed survey, will be most interested in the outcome but regret we are unable at this time to contribute towards its funding.
The Chamber is looking to bring back our Window on North Walsham event in 1998 - may I invite you all to make contact with me as soon as possible so that we can make a firm booking at the Community Centre before the 1st January. There are a tremendous number of facilities and amenities available in our Town and this event is an opportunity for us all to show the public the quality service offered by our traders and other business people.
I am most pleased to report that current donations to the Christmas Lights has meant that we are able to affix old fashioned lit lanterns to all appropriate buildings whose occupiers have made a donation, in place of Christmas trees - may I remind you all it is imperative a contribution towards the lights is made by everyone with the facility for a lantern as we regret we will have insufficient funding for those buildings where a contribution has not been received. The Chamber is delighted that Gas Terminal businesses at Bacton, negotiated by the Town Improvement Committee, have sponsored two lit displays across the street this year and we are currently inviting sponsorship from other companies to enhance the lights again in 1998. May I also remind those of you who do not yet participate in the overall lighting scheme - like joining the Chamber, it is never too late!
Finally I take this opportunity of wishing all Traders (members and potential members!) a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous 1998.
Cilla Quittenden, Chairman
HELLO READERS!
Well here we are one year on, and doesnt the time fly when youre enjoying yourselves. Thats just what we have been doing down at Pretty Things. Thanks to your continued loyal support weve had a very busy first year. We have had to sort out a whole new routine for our lives, juggling a home, children and a shop, but it has all worked out perfectly with the great help of our families. We have even managed to find time for a shop refit to make your shopping environment more comfortable and our working arrangements easier. It provides us with a larger stockroom and also a workroom which is constantly humming with alterations and dressmaking of all kinds. We have extended our range of stock dramatically with new merchandise arriving weekly. The latest addition (arriving soon) is the full range of D.M.C. tapestry wools. There are lots of new and exciting things coming in the new year so watch this space. All our Christmas gifts have now arrived and are awaiting your perusal. If you have a problem with that outfit or just lost for gift ideas, come down and see us, two heads are better than one. We will be happy to help. So have a happy Christmas and a wonderful new year.
VISIT FROM FRIESENRIED PLANNED
The friends from Friesenried Association are already planning for the arrival of visitors from our twinned town in September 1998. Following a very successful trip of our members to Friesenried back in July this year, with entertainment from the Church Choir and musicians at Blochtach Community Centre, Tanzelfest parade and many trips around the area, the Association wishes to repay the kind hospitality.
New members are always welcome, encouraging all age groups with offers of subsidised travel to Friesenried for 18 years and under. If you are interested in joining the Friends of Friesenried Association or hosting or helping out in any way please contact the secretary at North Walsham Town Council Monday - Friday (mornings only) on telephone 404114.
STUDIES PAY OFF FOR CENTRES STUDENTS
Dozens of students, their families, friends, tutors and partners of North Walsham Learning Centre attended the centres first presentation of certificates.
Martin Booth, deputy leader of the Labour group of Norfolk County Council and North Walshams County Councillor presented more than 90 certificates.
The certificates were achieved as a result of nearly 60 courses and classes over the last year designed to meet the needs of new and existing students.
Funding and support from the Rural Development Commission, Paston Sixth Form College, the Further Education Funding Council, the European Social Fund, Easton College, the Open University and the University of East Anglia enable all the learning centre courses to be provided free of charge and over 400 people have made inquiries, received guidance and enjoyed courses over the last year. For more information tel: (01692) 407526 or drop into the learning centre, Room CO9 at Paston College, Griffins Site.
OLD SADDLERS SHOP PROJECT
With the end of the holiday period long since gone the fundraising activity on the project is now gathering momentum for the next major phase in the refurbishing programme of the Shop .
Todate, the building has been re-roofed, external windows and doors have been replaced with new and a damp proof course and concrete sub-floor installed. With the completion of the external painting the building is now weatherproof, ensuring no further deterioration during the coming winter. The latest estimate of the total funding required is in the order of 24,000 and fund raising efforts, so far, have achieved approximately 12,450 toward this. The construction of a toilet block as an addition to the existing building constitutes the next major financial hurdle and all efforts are being made to achieve this as soon as possible.
An application has been made to the National Lotteries Charities Board for funding but the results of this will not be known until the Spring. Meantime, local functions are continuing to swell the coffers and adding to the social life of the Church and the community as a whole. The Bottle Stall planned for the forthcoming Street Fair will provide further contribution and our thanks and appreciation go out to all who have contributed in any way. Thank you indeed.
For further information on this project ring Rick Greenhill on 402701.
BOOK APPEAL
The BREAK Charity Shop in North Walsham will soon be opening up its basement to sell second-hand books.
Over the last four years the shop has made a tremendous contribution to BREAKs work with children and adults with special needs at its centres in Norfolk and Manager Diane Montgomery believes that the new venture will build on this success.
Diane urgently needs donated books to stock the shelves - all types are required including paperbacks, hardbacks, fact, fiction, reference, manuals, childrens books, comics etc.
Books can be taken to the shop or collection can be arranged by ringing 01692 402336.
It is BREAK Charitys policy to only sell donated goods (other than Christmas cards).
FISHING BY JOHN HALL
With Winter now upon us and the sea fishing in full swing, the Christmas holiday break can be an ideal time to dust those rods and get out in the fresh air and blow out all the festive over-indulging and also the stress that Christmas can bring. If the weather is favourable Christmas time can be a great time for angling whether sea or river fishing. Especially if youve been lucky enough to have been bought some new tackle for Christmas! Im sure youll be dying to get out there to use it! I know that before I ran a tackle shop my parents usually bought me an item of fishing tackle for Christmas and every Boxing Day and sometimes even Christmas Day I would be out there using it. Getting on to the subject of Christmas presents, it can be hard for girlfriends, wives and parents choosing presents especially if its a surprise for the angler in the family. Well it is difficult, but myself and David at Country Pursuits have a few good ideas up our sleeves to help, but even if all our ideas cant help then a gift voucher is the next best thing. Although its nice to buy someone something they can open on Christmas Day, a gift voucher for a fisherman is just as good, as its then fun to go into the tackle shop and spend it, its great, I remember myself! So if youve got a fisherman or shooter in the family and you wish to buy them something this Christmas, come in and see either myself or David at the North Walsham shop or Martin at the Cromer shop and we will always give you the best ideas, as you can gather, myself and my staff are very keen anglers.
So if you need any help this Christmas or just information on the fishing dont hesitate to give me a call on 01692 403162 or pop into the shop. Good fishing.
CHEMIST OPENING HOURS OVER CHRISTMAS
Boots the Chemist:
Normal hours: 9.00am-5.30pm Monday-Saturday
Closed 25th, 26th Dec and 1st Jan
Week commencing 22nd Dec open til 6.30pm
Moss Chemist:
Normal hours: 9.00am - 5.30pm Monday - Friday
9.00am - 1.00pm Saturday
Closed 25th, 26th Dec and 1st Jan
Week commencing 29th Dec open til 6.30pm
EMERGENCIES OVER BANK HOLIDAYS
CHRISTMAS DAY Boots, Cromer 11am - 12noon
BOXING DAY Boots, Cromer 12noon - 1pm
NEW YEARS DAY Lloyds, Cromer 12noon - 1pm
Citizen's Advice Bureau
Hundreds of people starting jobs after being unemployed are losing out on extra help to bridge the gap between benefits stopping and their first pay day. Tenants in rented accommodation are often not informed that they can claim extended payments of Housing and Council Tax Benefit for the first four weeks they are in work. Many are falling into debt and rent arrears as a result.
The extra benefit was introduced over 18 months ago as a way of helping people back to work by providing practical support to tide them over the diffficult first weeks of a job when they may face extra costs connected with working but have no money coming in. Anyone who takes a job after at least six months on Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance qualifies for the extra payments, which do not have to be repaid, but they have only eight days to make a claim once their Income Support or JSA stops. The scheme has failed to reach the people it is intended to help because it has been so poorly publicized. Only 62,000 people successfully claimed payments in the first nine months, compared with the official target of 350,000. There is an apparent lack of co-ordination between the Benefits Agency, the Employment Service and local authorities in providing advice and assistance to people returning to work, so that even if they are made aware of the scheme, many people receiving Housing Benefit are not being told that they need to make a separate claim in order to receive extended payments.
Young people in England and Wales who reach the age of 16 in the current school year (September 1997 - July 1998) will not be able to leave school at Easter or in May as their predecessors could. From 1st September 1997, the law has changed, so that young people reaching 16 in the 1997/98 school year cannot legally leave school until the last Friday in June, i.e. Friday 26th June 1998. This is the same for all 16 year-olds, regardless of when their birthday falls. The change does not affect Child Benefit which will continue to be paid for a child of 16 after he or she leaves school in June until the first Monday in September 1998.
Cuts to Council Tax Benefit from April 1998 will bring hardship for people on low incomes. All owner-occupiers and tenants who are responsible for paying Council Tax for properties above the value of Band E (maximum 120,000) will be affected. The new rules, proposed in the budget in November 1996, will restrict the amount of Council Tax Benefit to the level of a Band E property even if the claimants property falls into a higher band. The claimant will be left to make up the shortfall himself and for those already facing a Housing Benefit shortfall, it will be a double blow.
If you have noisy neighbours, recent legislation may be of help. If the problem cannot be resolved by discussion with the neighbours, or, if they are tenants, with the assistance of the landlord, then the Environmental Health Department of the local authority may be able to intervene. Under the Noise Act 1996, they have powers to seize noise-making equipment. The Act was recently extended to cover noise made at night and there is an objective standard against which night time noise from domestic premises can be assessed. The Environmental Health department can visit and monitor the noise level for you, and if they are satisfied that the noise constitutes a nuisance, and informal approaches prove unsuccessful, they can serve an abatement notice: failure to comply with this notice could result in the neighbours being taken to court and fined.
If you live in rented accommodation, your landlord is responsible for arranging and paying for safety checks and any necessary work to be carried out on gas appliances at least once a year. Checks must be carried out by someone who is registered with, or employed by a company which is registered with the Confederation of Registered Gas Installers (CORGI), and approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The landlord must ensure that gas fittings (other than appliances which belong to you) in your home are maintained in a safe condition, and this includes flues and all pipe work in the premises. He must keep a record of inspection dates, any defects identified and any remedial work done, and you should be able to inspect this record so long as you give your landlord reasonable notice that you wish to do so. If the landlord has not carried out regular inspections or refuses to allow you to see the inspection record, you can contact the local office of the HSE which has a duty to enforce the safety requirements. The HSE also operates a freephone Gas Safety Advice Line - 0800 300363. You can find out if the company inspecting the appliances is registered by contacting CORGI on 01256 372300.
There is now a national helpline for those affected by CJD, the human equivalent of BSE. Funded by the Department of Health, the helpline is run by the CJD Support Group, which was started by carers of people with this condition. The helpline is open 24 hours a day and provides information about CJD and emotional support for carers and sufferers by putting them in touch with others in the same situation. In addition, the Support Group can give financial help to people affected by CJD, for example, help with funeral expenses as many of the sufferers are young and may not have saved for a funeral.
If you would like further information or help with these or any other problems, please contact North Walsham Citizens Advice Bureau in the Portakabin in the Council Offfice yard, New Road, North Walsham, telephone 01692 402570. Bureau opening hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10.00am to 3.00pm. An answerphone operates outside opening hours. No appointment is necessary unless you wish to see one of our debt or employment specialists.
PRINT COMPANY EXPANDS
Express Printing, the print division of Express Printing & Stationery, has moved to spacious new premises on the Lyngate Industrial Estate. The North Walsham company, established at Midland Road in 1981, opened an office in the town centre at Vicarage Street the following year, along with its printing operation at Laundry Loke Industrial Estate. The recession saw many print companies go to the wall, but business at Express Printing grew steadily, and with the closure of a local stationery shop in the town it was decided to move the stationery section of the business to a larger Market Place shop in November 1992.
The print division outgrew their Laundry Loke home some time back, but they finally found an appropriate site and moved to their current address at the beginning of November. The new factory is approximately three times the size of the old printworks, and incorporates a new purpose built studio and darkroom.
Apart from customer supplied artwork, all of the artwork at Express Printing is now designed using the latest imagesetting technology. The new premises has allowed room for the installation of a brand new Agfa Accuset 800 digital imagesetter, which creates the best possible quality negatives and films, and subsequent overall print quality. They have a good customer base who already use this service for screen-printing and the like, but are now pleased to offer imagesetting on a bureau basis to interested companies.
The new printworks also means that customers can discuss their print requirements in much more comfortable surroundings than before, without the hassle of town centre parking or the clamour of their busy Market Place shop.
You can visit Express Printing at 1a Gaymers Way, just off the main Folgate Road; (just look out for the green Dairy Crest depot and East Coast Sewing Division) or call them on 01692 406439.
ON YOUR BIKE!!!
Bikeriders established for over three years in Sheringham have expanded by pedalling their way over to North Walsham to open their second shop, Bikeriders II.
Offering a wide choice of bicycles and extensive range of accessories from your first to your last, theres now no need to travel to Norwich. Bikeriders also suit your purse strings from secondhand to new including names such as Davies & Muddy Fox etc.
If you have a bike problem wheel it into us says Graham McEvoy We aim to offer a same day repair service where possible.
BACON & EGG BREAD PUDDING Serves 4
8 rashers of bacon, grilled and chopped
5 - 6 slices of bread, buttered
3 eggs
112 pints milk or 112 cups
1 garlic clove, crushed
2oz grated cheddar cheese
salt and black pepper
- Sandwich the bacon between the bread slices, cut into triangles and arrange in a buttered ovenproof dish.
- Mix the eggs, milk and garlic, and season to taste. Pour over the bread and leave to soak up for about 10 mins. Meanwhile pre-heat the oven to 180c.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of the bread pudding and bake for 30 - 40 mins, until golden brown. (Finish off under the grill.)
LAST POSTING DATES
UK First Class: 21st December
UK Second Class: 18th December
UK Standard Parcels: 18th December
European Airmail: 13th December
Outside Europe Airmail : 6th December
HM Forces:
Surface mail: letters, cards and small packets. Only to BFPOs 2, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 51, 605 and 677: 1st December
Airmail: letter, cards and packets: 12th December (for exercises or operations, the last posting date is: 8th December)
If you have any queries or need further information, please contact your post office or call: Royal Mail Customer Services on 0345 740 740 (local call).
NSPCC
Did you know one to two children die from child abuse each week? What are you prepared to do to stop this?
The NSPCC works very hard to try to prevent it, working with families at risk. The Child Protection Team based at Gorleston is very busy and covers this area, and needs your CASH. I organize a cake stall in the Church gate approximately once a month and various other fund raisers over the year. I am very grateful to all my helpers but always need more help. Any volunteers?
I havent had a Garden Weekend for some years now, any enthusiastic gardeners out there who would like to open their gardens to the public in 1998?
Please contact me on 403265
PASTON SURGERY OPENING TIMES
Wednesday 24th December 8.45am - 12.00noon
Thursday 25th December Closed
Friday 26th December Closed
Saturday 27th December
EMERGENCIES ONLY 8.45am - 12.00noon
Monday 29th December 8.45am - 6.00pm
Tuesday 30th December 8.45am - 6.00pm
Wednesday 31st December 8.45am - 12.00noon
Thursday 1st January Closed
Friday 2nd January onwards normal hours
When the surgery is closed, in an emergency Telephone Norwich 01603 488488
Also remember to order your prescriptions in good time and to make sure you have enough to last over the Christmas and New Year period.
CARPENTERS ARMS
With the approach of cold evenings a good number of young people are using the alcohol-free bar in the evenings as a place to meet and to play pool and other games. In the daytime too shoppers are finding a warm welcome and the opportunity to buy hot snacks. Baked potatoes and toasted sandwiches are very popular at present.
Our recent auction to raise funds was a great success. Many thanks to the local traders who donated many gifts and vouchers. Thanks too to those who bid with generosity so that a total in excess of 760 was raised.
We shall be present at the Street Fair to join in the fun and to chat to anyone who would like to know more about this youth and community project which is given to the town by The Methodist Church and Churches Together in North Walsham. It isnt just a gift at Christmas but all the year round!
Do drop in to The Carpenters Arms and make it your local.
LIBRARY HOURS OVER CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
Monday 22nd December 10.00am - 7.30pm
Tuesday 23rd December 10.00am - 5.00pm
Wednesday 24th December Closed
Thursday 25th December Closed
Friday 26th December Closed
Saturday 27th December Closed
Monday 29th December 10.00am - 7.30pm
Tuesday 30th December 10.00am - 5.00pm
Wednesday 31st December Closed
Thursday 1st January Closed
Friday 2nd January 10.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday 3rd January 10.00am - 1.00pm
FAMILY FUN NIGHTS
Looking for something to do with the family after the Christmas and New Year festivities are over? Friday 23rd January 1998 at North Walsham Community Centre might just be what youre looking for.
A series of family fun nights are planned with the accent on family and fun. Too often clubs are segregated into age groups, but these evenings plan to involve the youngest to the eldest member of the family. At the same time three charities are set to benefit: The Chernobyl Childrens Project, The Winged Fellowship Trust and the Rainbow Sanctuary Association.
The nights will include quizzes, raffles, scrabble, fancy dress and talent nights, with prizes for every age group. Tickets are on sale now, adults 1.50, children over 2 years 75p or 5.00 for a couple with three or more children, admission will include refreshments.
To keep the entertainment varied the organizers are appealing to any singers, musicians, comedians, dancers, puppeteers, magicians, readers of monologue or poems. In fact anyone of any age, with a party piece willing to help the evening to go with a swing.
If you have a talent or are able to help in any way please call Betty Martin on 01263 822698 or Dusty Miller on 01692 500144.
Betty and Dusty are continuously raising money for the three charities mentioned having just finished street collections in Sheringham area they plan to spend March touring the coast of Ireland doing more of the same. Betty says we have been contacted on the possibility of televising the Ireland trip but currently seek sponsorship.
Also in their bid to aid the charities further a Clairvoyance evening at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich is in the process of being arranged. For further details or any information on the charities please again contact Betty or Dusty.
NORTH WALSHAM SWIMMING POOL
As you may be aware the possibility of a swimming pool in North Walsham is now becoming a reality, the feasibility study has been completed and the North Norfolk District Council have given it their support.
Our ambition now is to provide an even better base for applying for a lottery grant, therefore we, the existing committee feel that if we can run another Carnival in 1998 and raise our funds even more then it will all be for a good and worthy cause. At the present time our fund stands at 86,500 and that in itself will help to prove that there is a good will in North Walsham for a swimming pool. Perhaps we shall even get ours before Norwich ! ! !
We are already getting well ahead with our plans for next years Carnival but new ideas and new volunteers are always welcome. If you would like to offer your help, please get in touch with me.
North Walsham, Swimming Pool Fund Association
ARTHRITIS CARE
A branch of Arthritis Care has existed in North Walsham for many years. Anyone who has any form of rheumatism or arthritis or who sympathises with those who do are very welcome to come along and join in our activities.
We meet every third Thursday of the month in the Community Centre at 2.30 p.m. We usually have a speaker followed by tea and cakes. Twice a year we hold coffee mornings to boost our funds so that we can go on outings in the summer. If transport makes it difficult for anyone to attend we have a vehicle with a tail lift and the Age Concern bus transports some of our members. It is not expensive to join - 6.00 a year and you receive a very informative magazine quarterly.
Anyone wishing to come along would be assured of a warm welcome. If you would like any more information please ring our Secretary, Audrey Woods on 403265 or our Chairman, Anne Rose on 402426.
FOCUS ON: FLOWERS & CRAFTS
Flowers & Crafts is situated at 10 St Nicholas Court, The Precinct, North Walsham.
Jackie and Mike Loads, the proprietors, celebrated 15 years at Flowers & Crafts in March of this year.
Jackie and her staff, Sharon and Karen have a wealth of experience and qualifications between them and continue attending floristry courses and meetings to keep them up-to-date with the latest floristry fashions. The team are there to help and give advice on all your floristry requirements.
There are over 100 silk/dried arrangements made up for immediate sale in the shop in all shapes and sizes to suit all tastes and pockets. Arrangements can also be made to your individual requirements.
As well as a beautiful selection of fresh silk and dried flowers, Flowers & Crafts stock so many other products - pot plants, baskets, pot covers, vases, garden ornaments, sundries, ribbon, helium balloons, cuddly toys, candles and much more!
With Christmas only a few weeks away its a good time to order flowers or plants to be delivered for Christmas. Flowers & Crafts deliver locally and you can also place orders to be delivered nationally or overseas via their Interflora service. Holly wreaths will be on sale from the last week in November. A good selection will be available, or they can be made to order to your specific requirements.
Also, an extra service that Sharon and Karen now offer is the sale of Oriflame products. Oriflame was founded 30 years ago and offer a wide range of products - skin care, colour cosmetics, toiletries, fragrances, NEW teenage range and much more! All products are made from natural ingredients and are not tested on animals. They are also backed by a three month money back guarantee.
Sharon and Karen are your local Oriflame consultants, so call into Flowers & Crafts and they can arrange a time to show you the products and give skin care advice and show you the brochures. They are excellent products, reasonably priced and theres some super Christmas gifts!
If you would like to earn extra cash for yourself - ask Sharon or Karen for details. Its fun! Its easy!
Jackie, Sharon and Karen would like to wish all their customers a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
MY UNUSUAL HOBBY
I have been decorating quail, duck, goose, ostrich and Rhea eggs for the past 5 years.
I was lucky enough whilst on a family holiday in America this year to be in Tampa at the time of Eggspo 97, an international egg exhibition which included seminars. I spent four days working on a Swarovski crystal musical ostrich egg, an Emu egg musical clock, Minnie & Micky in the park goose egg and an ostrich egg pocket book (handbag) and met a lot of famous (or could it be infamous) people in the egg world.
I have tried many crafts (dried flowers, glass painting, silk painting, cross stitch, ribbon embroidery) but none of these has held my attention or imagination for long. Until I tried egg crafting I never realized the things you can make out of an egg; carousels, cinderella carriages, Faberg clocks, toy boxes, teapots & teasets, kaleidoscopes, victorian etuis, pianos, cradles, helicopters, volkswagen cars, lamps, ring boxes, mechanical, musical and lighted up eggs - the list is endless.
Perhaps this is why I am so hooked on my unusual hobby!
As an introduction I would like to suggest you try the following craft project.
Christmas Egg.
Use a 10 x 8 clean goose egg. Mark a cross in the centre of the egg, back & front (use an egg marker or rubber bands for this).
Cut scrolls from expanded polystyrene wallpaper and position on egg with Aleenes tacky glue.
(See illustration below)
When dry, cut out openings with minicraft drill.
Paint egg (inside & out) with white acrylic paint. When dry coat with gloss mod podge inside & glitter. Coat wallpaper scrolls with gloss mod podge and glitter.
Epoxy egg to stand and stand to base. Decorate base and top of egg with flowers and bows. Insert figure of your choice.
Stand back and admire!
Happy Egging!
If you would like to try making a decorated egg, I take classes on Tuesdays from 7.00pm - 9.00pm. Give me a call on (01692) 402491. Or if you would like an unusual gift, I have a selection of eggs for sale from 30 - 95.
Judy Dickinson, Eggcrafting Guild of Great Brittain,
Membership number 854.
FOCUS ON OFFSPRING
Offspring, nearly two months old is bursting at the seams with everything you will need for a newborn baby to a toddler. Mandy Crickmore is ecstatic with the success she has achieved during her first two months we hope to eventually supply to children up to eight years but unfortunately good quality clothes for the older child are hard to come by. Mainly as they tend to get a lot more wear from them.
Mandy welcomes good quality and modern toys and equipment as well as clothes, but must stress that she has a standard to maintain as well as limited space and thus may need to refuse items at her discretion. Again, due to space, unfortunately she is unable to stock prams and pushchairs although accessories such as bags and cosytoes may be found.
So before you go out there and pay full price for a winter coat take a look inside 7 Mundesley Road and save yourself pounds!
The shop is open Monday to Saturday 10 - 4pm and closed Wednesdays.
For further information contact Mandy on 01692 404700.